New hunter looking for mentor/buddies

[silvver]

Hello! I'm a 27 year old guy living in Seattle looking for hunting mentorship and buddies. I've never hunted before, but I've spent a ton of time backpacking and camping in the Cascades so I'm quite comfortable getting out in the field and hiking.

I'm interested in deer to start and eventually elk too. Once I get comfortable hunting, I'm planning on doing mostly backcountry hunting.

I'm done with hunters ed and on to getting my firearm. I own a pistol but this will be my first rifle. I'm debating between a muzzleloader and modern rifle. A modern rifle seems like a better choice for beginner, but I've heard the muzzleloader seasons are much less crowded which sounds great to me. If I do go for a rifle, I'm thinking the Tikka t3x. Open to any advice on muzzleloaders vs rifles and suggestions about specific guns.

I'm based in Seattle but happy to travel. Happy to supply gas money and haul extra gear if anyone is willing to help out. Thanks!

Also, if you're also new and looking for meet other folks starting out just let me know!

[Boss .300 winmag]

Go archery even less people.😉

I didn’t see any other archers during the early season.👍

[dwtraut7]

I sent you a message

[Bearhunter308]

I agree with Boss300, archery is the way to go- long seasons and possibility for any deer in a bunch of gmu's.
I was in the same boat as you about 12 years ago- about the same age, didn't hunt but wanted to. I researched the heck out of rifles and calibers before buying my first. I went with a Weatherby Vanguard series 2 in .270 win. I wanted a common caliber, not too expensive that would have good capabilities for longer ranges, and wouldn't kick like a mule. Now I favor .308 for the same reasons. There's a lot of calibers that fit that bill, but it's hard to go wrong with some of the "classics" like 308, 270, and 30-06.
After I found a buddy to take me hunting and teach me basics, I started in with archery after a year or two. It's easy to get proficient quickly with today's compound bows. I now do archery for deer, and use my rifle for bear.

[kramman]

A Tikka would be a great rifle. Wife has 1 in 6.5 creedmoor, shoots well and light on the recoil. For an all around elk deer rifle I'd go with the 7mm or .300 winchester, especially if you eventually want to hunt out of state, like eastern montana.

I moved from rifle to muzzleloader in wa state yrs ago won't be going back anytime soon. Muzzleloaders are relatively cheap. Compared to rifle. A good starter muzzy is a cva wolf. Easy to clean modest on the price and shoots well. Check out gunbroker.com can find the wolf in a starter pack with everything you'll need for around 300.

I don't archery, shoulders are shot from long yrs of hard work, but the season are longer with less people, but becoming more popular all the time. Wa state can be tough for a beginner on his own. I'd say buy all 3 types of weapons and apply for multi season tags. I seem to draw one every other yr or so to put in for special rifle tags. ( still waiting to draw 1). The multi tag will give you a chance to decide which way you'd like to hunt. Best of luck to ya, it can be an addictive experience so hang on. You can always p.m. me if you've got more ?s are just want to b.s. about hunting.

[ASHQUACK]

Also look into the group First Hunt Foundation. A good group of mentors that sign up to help teach this way of life.

[coneman]

East side of Washington State hunter looking to find some hunting buddies and places to hunt.  I mainly hunt with rifle or shotgun and looking to find a person or group to go hunting with.  I currently have a Remington Model 700 30-06 and Mossberg 500.  Hopefully this spring a Barreta Tikka T3 30-06 and get this all sighted in before the 2024 hunting season.

[seancm]

I am in the Bellingham area. Also looking to make connections or find some hunting partners.!!

[DeadedKing]

I am in the Bellingham area. Also looking to make connections or find some hunting partners.!!

I sent you a PM

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[DeerThug]

Finding someone to help or not.  Start now and find a place public or private that will have deer.  Does not have to be a bid area - a few acres can work.   Get in there and look for trails and open areas where there is feed.  Find that and just go there and find a place to sit where you can see the last 2 hours of light.    Do this a few days - nothing - find another place...  once your are seeing a travel pattern - hunt there....put out some salt..... shoot a deer in September....

The work for a newby starts now.

[DeadedKing]

I'm looking for a hunting Partner as well I  planned on hunting early archery for deer and elk this year.  I've only been bow Hunting for 2 years now so I'm not no Remy Warren, always looking to learn from others  if interested hmu

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